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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 313-05
August 9, 2005

MAYOR BLOOMBERG HOSTS DOMINICAN HERITAGE RECEPTION

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg paid tribute to the achievements of the Dominican community and celebrated the community’s rich heritage at a reception at Gracie Mansion.   Mayor Bloomberg presented certificates of recognition to young New Yorkers of Dominican heritage including John F. Kennedy Jr. High School student and PSAL Heisman Award Winner Amauris Fermin, and Mott Hall graduate and community activist Ysmeli Rosa.  Joining Mayor Bloomberg  in celebrating the heritage of the City’s Dominican  community at Gracie Mansion was Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman, Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Guillermo Linares, Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav, fashion designer Oscar De La Renta, Dominican Parade President Nelson Peña, Parade Grand Marshall Dr. Eliscer Guzman, H.E. Erasmo Lara-Peña of the Dominican Republic’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Congressman Victor Bisono Haza from the Dominican Republic, legendary merengue musician Joseito Mateo and singer Camboy Estevez.
 
“The Dominican community has grown to become one of the largest immigrant groups in our City and one of the largest ethnic groups nationwide,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “We have witnessed outstanding accomplishments by Dominicans in this City.  From the corporate world, to sports, to public service, the Dominican community is enriching the quality of our shared futures.  Tonight we are celebrating not only the triumphs of Dominican-Americans, but also the incredible impact that these New Yorkers have on our City.”  

On Sunday, August 14th, Mayor Bloomberg will celebrate the anniversary of The Restoration of the Dominican Constitution which took place on August 16, 1865 by marching in New York’s largest Dominican parade on 6th Avenue.  Two other Dominican parades take place every summer – La Gran Parada Dominicana del Bronx and the Brooklyn Dominican Day Parade.  New York is the home to the largest number of Dominicans living outside of the Dominican Republic. 
 
During the reception at Gracie Mansion guests enjoyed the music of Kerubanda and El Grupo Fidel Gonzalez. Diablos Cajuelos, colorful, costumed “devils” from the Carnaval del Boulevard, entertained guests.

Donations for the event were made by Blue Ivy, Inc., Brugal, Consulado de la Republica Dominicana, El Conde Restaurant, El Malecón Restaurant, Festival Internacional Dominicano, Goya Foods, Hispaniola Restaurant, Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, La Cabaña Antojitos Dominicanos, La Nueva España Restaurant, Lino Press, Marisco Centro, Nacional Supermarket Association, Presidente Beer, Rancho Jubilee, Ruddy Restaurant, Sandia Restaurant, Sonia Restaurant, Teleworld Corporation and Unioncard Telecard Alliance.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Silvia Alvarez   (212) 788-2958




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